A Drop of Fuel in a Desert of Panic
The tanker MT BWEK Bornholm finally reached Sitakunda from Oman. It brought 3,800 tons of LPG. This is the first shipment from the war zone since the conflict started. Other ships are also arriving at the port. On April 3, a ship brought 27,300 tons of diesel from Singapore. Another 34,000 tons of fuel was expected that same night. Officials say fuel import and supply are normal right now. This might help stop people from buying too much out of fear. However, two very large tankers are still stuck in the Persian Gulf. One carries 62,000 tons of LNG. The other carries 100,000 tons of crude oil. Until these big ships arrive, some worry may remain in the market.
Selling Souls While the World Burns
The war between Iran, Israel, and the US has shut the Strait of Hormuz. Ships cannot pass through the area without permission from Iran. This has made insurance for ships much more expensive. These higher costs affect everyone. Sadly, some people use this crisis to make extra money. They hide fuel to create an artificial shortage. This is why the government is now offering a 100,000 Tk reward for information on illegal hoarding. It is hard to understand how some only think of profit during a global crisis. The war risk premiums have already pushed transportation costs very high. Greed only makes a difficult situation worse for the common person.
What Happens When the Lights Go Out?
The future looks difficult if the war does not end soon. Bangladeshgets 80 per cent of its crude oil from the Middle East. We also get 65 per cent of our LNG from that region. Right now, there is great uncertainty about these supplies. Global oil prices have already jumped above $100. If the Strait stays closed, the fuel supply chain could break. The government is already making plans for the worst. They are considering online classes for schools and colleges. Students might only go to school on alternate days to save energy. A long war will lead to higher prices and less energy for the whole country.
War is a playground for those who love money more than peace. It brings wealth to a few and suffering to everyone else.
As Franz Kafka once said,
“The spirit becomes free only when it ceases to be a support.”
In this crisis, the spirit of the people is being crushed by high prices. We hope the fighting stops before the country runs out of light. Otherwise, a very dark shadow will fall over us all.
– Opinion | Daily ScrollDown